City seeks applicants for advisory boards, commissions

January 29, 2013

By Warren Kagarise

City leaders need civic-minded citizens to offer advice on important issues as municipal board and commission members.

The city needs applicants for openings on 12 boards and commissions. The groups advise the City Council on issues related to the arts, cable TV, development, parks and, in more specialized realms, city cemetery operations and sister-city relationships.

Meanwhile, officials need regular and alternate members for the 12 existing commissions. The applicants for board and commission posts do not need to reside in Issaquah.

Applicants undergo interviews before Mayor Ava Frisinger recommends appointees to the council for confirmation. The council usually confirms appointees in April, and terms for appointees start in May.

Get involved

Residents interested in applying for a board or commission post can find the application and apply online at www.issaquahwa.gov. The application deadline is 11:59 p.m. Jan. 31. Call the City Clerk’s Office at 837-3000 to learn more.

The number of boards could shrink soon, as the council considers a proposal to consolidate the Development Commission, Planning Policy Commission and River & Streams Board. Officials said any recommended changes must include a transition plan if the council decides to pursue consolidation.

Appointments could change due to any council changes related to the number of panels.

In a 2011 study, Seattle consultant Moss Adams called for city leaders to slim down municipal boards and commissions to relieve employees’ workload and consolidate some functions.

The council decided last year to create a city Economic Vitality Commission to create a more muscular effort to attract and retain businesses. Other recommendations in the Moss Adams study called on leaders to create a robust economic development program.

Candidates can apply for regular and alternate positions on 12 boards and commissions:

Arts Commission — Commissioners work to increase awareness and enjoyment of performing and visual arts.

Cable TV Commission — Commissioners regulate and oversee the operation of the cable television system in Issaquah.

Cemetery Board — The board advises the city administration about management of the city-owned cemetery.

Development Commission — Commissioners review site-development and sign permits for large projects.

Economic Vitality Commission — The commission offers advice expertise on ways to enhance and facilitate economic development within the city.